My dad was just diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has mOved into his liver. He has 3 large tumors on his liver. The doctor said it could be possible to operate but from what ive read stage 4 is almosy inoperatable. Can anyone shed some light or experiences.

Jordan, i'm sorry you and your family have to experience this disease. Although there are 'stages' of cancer, they are really just general categories. Cancer is different in every person and 2 people with the same scenario will not have the same treatment or outcome. I personally had colon cancer that metastasis in my liver and they did do surgery. Your best and most accurate info will come from the medical people treating your father. I'm wishing you and your family strength and courage.

The statistics that you may read are out of date. There have been advances in the treatment of Stage 4 colon cancer. Some liver tumors are operable, others are large but after chemo, can shrink enough to be removed, and some are located on or close to a blood vessel and non-operable. The liver is an organ that can regenerate itself, so if a lobe or section of a lobe is removed, after a few months the liver will grow back to its normal size. Mop-up chemo is usually used after a liver resection, to destroy any stray remaining cancer cells. There is also targeted radiation that can zap liver tumors not suitable for resection.

Statistically, in about 30% of Stage 4 liver resections, assuming there is no disease elsewhere in the body, removal of liver tumors can be curative.

Good Luck
Leslie

The Following User Says Thank You to LESLIETOO For This Useful Post:Jshelest (09-07-2011)